{ Pellucid's Crystal Cave }

[tiiedye.]

(( Aʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ Sɪᴍᴀ ))

Name: Pellucid

{ pəˈlo͞osid }
Meaning: Translucently clear, crystalline
Nick-Names: Pellu, Pell
Gender: Male
Orientation: Demi-Panromantic
Birthday: August 2nd
Theme Song: Crystals by Of Monsters and Men
Occupation: Speleologist
Hobbies: Spelunking and collecting semi-precious and precious stones


(( Pᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ))

Quiet // Shy // Inquisitive // Fearful // Innocent

Pellucid is a gentle, quirky Sima with many phobias and is subject to panic attacks. Despite his fears he is still curious about the world around him. However, he never travels far from home unless it's for work or to go spelunking. Even then, the distance from home is a constant weight on his mind and he tends to stress more easily the farther he wanders. He is easily flustered or embarrassed, and although he desires to make more friends he tends to keep his distance from others.

(( Tʜᴇ Cᴏɴᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴs ))

Tropophobia: Fear of moving or making changes.

Pellucid is afraid of making changes in his life. He has a routine, and he likes it.
Enochlophobia: Fear of crowds.

Pellucid cannot be in large crowds. They cause him great stress and usually trigger panic attacks.
Acrophobia: Fear of heights.

One of his more common phobias, Pellucid has a crippling fear of heights. Unfortunately this fear can sometimes interfere with his work -- he's trying his best to work through it.
Gelotophobia: Fear of being laughed at.

It may seem silly to some, but for Pellucid being laughed at causes enormous amounts of stress and can even induce panic attacks.
Haptephobia: Fear of being touched.

Pellucid doesn't just dislike being touched, he fears it. He likes his personal space and starts getting nervous when someone gets too close.
Algophobia: Fear of pain.

Pellucid's fear of pain is one of his least-stress-inducing, curiously enough. He knows everyone experiences pain, and although it still causes him stress he's learned to live with it a bit better than his other phobias. He still steers clear from any activities that might cause him to get hurt, however.
Panic Disorder: a psychiatric disorder in which debilitating anxiety and fear arise frequently and without reasonable cause.

Pellucid has frequent panic attacks, most often caused by his phobias. Although, on occasion they can be triggered by other reasons.

(( Tʜᴇ Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟs ))

Pellucid wasn't born with the crystals he bears protruding from his body, but they started growing from him shortly afterwards. Over the years they've grown in number and size, however they stopped growing once he hit adulthood and he himself stopped growing. This makes Pellucid believe that the crystals are not growths caused by an outside source, but simply a mutation he was born with -- just as his horns are.

(( Lɪᴋᴇs ))
✔ Precious and Semi-precious stones
✔ Studying and reading
✔ Working
✔ Spelunking
✔ Quiet days at home

(( Dɪsʟɪᴋᴇs ))
✘ His fears, and what they consist of
✘ Loud noises
✘ Those who are hurtful towards others
✘ Deviations from routine
✘ Being seen as an "oddity"

Cover your crystal eyes, and feel the tones that tremble down your spine.

[tiiedye.]

(( Cᴏᴘᴘᴇʀ ))

The Bookworm
"Copper always helps me relax. I don't know how he does it, but I always feel a bit calmer around him."

Ah, what can I say about Pellucid? Hmm. He's a nice guy, a bit odd, but nice. It's funny though, he's always stressed out about something, but I'm always pretty relaxed. One would think that we wouldn't get along, but we do, and pretty well too. How we met, well, the story isn't exciting or anything, not that anything ever is with Pellucid -- I'm pretty sure he wouldn't handle the stress of excitement well. I was reading a travel book, one specifically about spelunking and cave tourism. I think that's what caught his eye. I think this is out of character for a guy like Pellucid, but surprisingly enough he approached me! Anyways he asked me about the book, and the conversation just sort of flowed naturally from there. Whenever we hang out, we usually just sit and talk, but that's okay. I like his stories about the caves he's explored the most. I wish he had more to tell me from farther away places, though. I know he doesn't like to leave home, but I don't think he understands how good he's got it. He gets to travel as a part of his job! I mean, I get to travel as well, but I'd love to hear more of what he's seen. Maybe one day I can go with him on one of his spelunking adventures?

(( Cᴀsᴇʏ ))

The Rule-Breaker
"Ah, he makes me nervous, and sometimes he can be too much... but, I don't think he's all bad."

Pellu? Hm. April likes him, so I see him often enough. I guess he's okay, kind of annoying though. Despite his looks, he doesn't have much of a presence, which is strange right? You'd think a guy like that would stick out like a sore thumb! Well, I mean, sometimes he does, but usually he just hangs out quietly in the back and you just forget he's there. And whenever there are too many around he just disappears. It's strange, but I guess I understand. He doesn't like being around others much, does he? Poking fun at him is easy because of it, but I'm not as mean to him as my sister, Vivi, is. Still, it's easy to stress him out, and it can be entertaining too. But April doesn't like it, so I don't do it... often. But, even when I'm not trying, I think I hurt him sometimes. It's not on purpose, it's just who I am... and it's who he is, too, I guess. I'm not changing anytime soon, and I doubt he is either. This is just how things are going to have to be around us, and if he doesn't like it, he's free to leave.

(( Vɪᴠɪ Cᴀʏ ))

The Bully
"Ah... c-can we... can we not talk about her?"

Ugh. Are you seriously asking me about that little crybaby? The first time I ever met the kid he flipped out! Actually, it was kind of hilarious. What did Casey say it was? Oh- a panic attack. Right. Anyways, it was strangely entertaining to watch the kid curl up into ball simply because I-- no wait! Let me start from the top! I went to see Casey, and April was there, like always. But so was this guy I had never met before. Now, let's be honest, Pellucid looks strange. The horns, the crystals, the all add up to one weird... thing. But he's big too! And just standing there, well, one could consider him intimidating. But not to me! I wanted to see what this guy was made of, so I walked right up to him and stared him down. He got so nervous and twitchy I had to laugh! The kid was seriously terrified of me! It was priceless. What's better? He started to cry! He freaked out, curled into a ball, and just sobbed quietly. What a show! April tried to calm him down, but whenever she got close he just got worse. Eventually they had to get Solitaire to come over. Apparently she has some weird magic touch or something. Anyways, since then, whenever I see the guy I try to make him freak out. It's entertaining.

(( Aᴘʀɪʟ ))

The Determined One
"I like April. She has so many questions! But, she's also sweet."

Pellu's great! He's a little... well, let's put it as "odd", but I know he doesn't like that word. But he's nice, and he's smart. When we first met I was a bit unsure of him. He looks a bit... scary, but once you get to know him, he's not. He's actually kind of sweet. At first, I wasn't going to approach him, but I was just too curious. I'm glad I did. I like his stories about his spelunking. One day I want to go out in the field with him, but right now he wont let me. I will, eventually, though-- I want to have an adventure of my own. For now, though, I'm okay with him telling me stories of his adventures... although, he doesn't call them that. He's curious too, about things. And I like that about him -- he likes to ask questions, just like I do. He's just a bit more nervous about it than I am. I've also learned more about him -- like his conditions. He's afraid of a lot of things, but I'm starting to realize it's not a fear like being afraid of what's under the bed, or of the dark -- like when you were a kit -- it's something else. It's irrational and inexplicable, and even he doesn't know why he freaks out so much just because someone brushes by him too closely. It's just who he is, and I know he's working through it. My sister Solitaire is helping him, and that makes me happy. I don't like how Casey treats him, sometimes. I know he doesn't always mean it, though-- but I can see the hurt in Pellu's eyes anyways. Still, I have to admit, sometimes Casey's jokes and poking fun at him are just too spot-on to not giggle at.

(( Sᴏʟɪᴛᴀɪʀᴇ ))

The Magical Presence
"Solitaire... I can't explain it, but there's something different about her. I would say she's my closest friend"

Pellu's a total sweetheart. He's just misunderstood and a bit quirky, but aren't we all in some way or another? He's just a bit more than the rest of us. I think when we first met he was nervous. I think he thought I was a little intimidating, but that's ridiculous, and I think he figured that out quickly enough. He says I'm different than others, but I don't really understand what he means by that. He says they're quieter when I'm around, the fears I mean. He says he feels safer, which really I'm flattered that he thinks that. I don't see how I make a difference, I don't do anything different around him than I do with others. He says it's something about my aura, so I guess there's something just naturally about me that makes him feel better? Whatever, I'll take it. I hate seeing him when he's hurting, and I try my best to comfort him when I can. Apparently it's difficult for others to comfort him because he doesn't like when they get close. But I guess he doesn't mind me getting too close. I can see it sometimes, if I get too close he gets this look in his eyes, a scared one, but it doesn't happen often. I hope that one day that fear that I see will be completely absent. Until then, I keep a comfortable distance, and he seems to appreciate that. I wont push him, because I know this is something he needs to overcome on his own.

(( Tʀɪsᴋᴇʟɪᴏɴ ))

The Comic Relief
"Trisk never seems to have the best of luck, but he's nice."

Pellu's a nice guy, but you wouldn't know that from looking at him. We met by chance, I was walking somewhere -- can't quite remember where, exactly -- while reading. Now, I've learned since then that this is not necessarily the brightest thing to do -- you should alwasy look where your going. Needless to say, I tripped and dropped my book. I was fine and began dusting myself off, but Pellucid, who I'll admit, I had not noticed until then, picked up my book and handed it to me. He seemed incredibly awkward about the whole thing, I think he was nervous for some reason. Now that I know him a bit better I've realized he's not the best in social situations, and a lot of things scare him off. Despite that, he was brave enough to approach me and help me, so I don't care that he's a little strange. He's nice, and that's what counts. He also took an interest in the rocks I've got floating around me, rocks and the like are sort of an interest of his, but I don't know much about them other than I was born with them. He seemed a little disappointed, but he didn't push the issue even though he was truly curious. I guess he just respects other's space and isn't intrusive like that.

(( Vɪɴsᴏᴍᴇʀ ))

The Dragon
"She gave me a real fright, at first, but we've come to a mutual understanding since then... I think I can call her my friend?"

*Sigh* A child, that is what Pellucid reminds me of. A strange, fearful, child. Ignorant, too -- at least, I thought so at first. Not so much now. Ugh! Must I really say more? *Grumbles* He trespassed into my domain, that is how we met. Or rather, I protected my home while he sobbed in terror. I do not blame him. I am quite frightening. Ah, to the point, though. He came into my cave doing his thing-- augh, what does he call it, again?... Spelunking! Yes? He was doing that, in a place he was not permitted. Ignorantly "exploring" and collecting rocks, crystals, and gems alike. My rocks, crystals, and gems. So I gave him a piece of my mind. However, I was not expecting him to flee in abject horror while sobbing profusely. I thought I would get a challenge out of it, instead I get snot and tears, and someone who can clearly not protect himself. I pity myself for pitying him! I hate to say it, but there was just something... endearing about him. Since then I've unfortunately found myself rather protective of him... But do not tell anyone or I shall claw out your throat!

(( Mᴀɢᴘɪᴇ ))

Another Crystal Boy
"Once you get past all the showy talk, he's really quite sweet. I think he's adorable... but don't tell him I said that!"

Oh, Pellucid? He's nice, and I think he's really interesting. He's good friends with my sister, April, and Solitaire too. Actually, that's how we met, through her -- or at least, that's what I was told. I was really young when we first met, so I don't really remember it. Anyways, Pell's always been there for me. He's shy, and even though I'm smaller and younger, I tend to overshadow him. I don't mind, and it doesn't seem like he does either, so it works out. He finds the crystals on my body to be very interesting, and I mean yeah, they're cool, but he has them too, right? What makes them so interesting, then? Not that I mind the attention one bit. I like that Pell's smart. When he does decide to speak up, he usually has something important or interesting to say, which is a nice change of pace from a lot of the senseless gossip that tends to go around these days. Well, senseless if it's not about me, that is. Even though it's usually me who ends up doing most of the talking when it's just the two of us, I enjoy his company. He's a nice guy, and I don't like that others tend to judge him for his looks before getting to know him.

[tiiedye.]

(( Tʜᴇ Dʀᴀɢᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Cʀʏsᴛᴀʟ Bᴏʏ ))

I am not a genius, nor am I particularly athletic. I am not outgoing, or social, or popular. I am not strong, or gifted. But most of all, I am not brave. But that’s okay. It’s okay because what I am not is just a much a part of me than what I am.

What I am is honest, and hard-working. I am socially awkward, and afraid of many things. I am also alone – or at least at one point I thought I was. I had my eyes closed to the world around me for so long that I didn’t even notice that things had begun to change. Change. Now that’s a scary word. It’s something I don’t like, something I don’t think I’ll ever be truly comfortable with, but I’m learning to accept it for what it is.

It just took something unimaginable to get me here, where change isn’t quite as scary as I thought it’d be.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still terrifying… but maybe I should start from the beginning, explain this a little bit better.

My name is Pellucid, and I am the Crystal Boy.

**

It was a series of unrelated events, or so it had seemed. Looking back on it, they were all interconnected in some way.

It’s like a jigsaw puzzle, except I only had a couple of the pieces. They didn’t connect with each other at the time, but now that I have all the pieces I can put them all together to create one big, clear picture.

**

“Jean. Hey, Jean”

Even though they’re across the library and they’re whispering, I can hear them crystal clear. The curse of large ears, I suppose. My gaze raises from my own tome to scour the room, looking for the source of the hushed tones.

“Hm?”

I spot the two, they’re huddled in the far corner. One seems completely interested in what they’re reading, while the other seems bored out of their mind. I guess he doesn’t like the library much.

“It says here that dragons hoard beautiful gems and crystals. They adorn their bodies with them – it’s both for protection and to attract the attention of possible mates!” the one with the scarf says, his is the voice from earlier. He seems really into whatever it is that he’s reading, something about dragons I can assume from the topic.

“Unmei, dragons don’t exist,” the other says, deadpan and completely uninterested.

“I know, I know” the one with the scarf sighs, “but the things they come up with, right? Even if it’s just make-believe, it’s still interesting!”

I see the darker male, Jean, smile fondly, and suddenly I feel like I am intruding on a moment between close friends. I turn back to my tome, my cheeks flushing in embarrassment. But, despite turning away I can still hear them.

“Yeah, sure,” Jean says, “I guess… so, can we get out of here now?”

“Mm,” Unmei hums and I hear the rustle of turning pages as he closes his book. “Just let me check this out and we can go.”

I hear the sound of chairs scraping against the fabric of the carpet, and soft padded footsteps as they make their way to the front desk.

Gems and crystals, huh? I sigh fondly at the thought, Interesting.

**

A few days later found me at the café I often frequent. I always go at the same time of day when I know the place will never be crowded. Today is no different. I take my usual seat in the back, away from prying eyes and where most will leave me alone.

I am not the only one here, but their rush hour is long over, and the other guests are mostly spread out. There’s a group of three a few booths down, but they are so engrossed in their own conversation that they take no notice of me.

I’ve learned to mask my presence over the years, it makes things easier. My looks are quite different than most – I am on the larger side, and the crystals protruding from my body are quite the sight. When I was younger I was approached much more often, but I’ve found a way to keep myself from being noticed too much. Only those with sharp observation skills or those paying close attention to their surroundings seem to notice me, unless I approach.

It’s a bit lonely, sure, but I’m glad to no longer be crowded by curious onlookers trying to get a view of the “freak”. Not that I think I am one— a freak, that is. I’m just different. Those words are not synonymous. At least, they shouldn’t be.

My gaze is focused steadily on the tome I borrowed from the library. It’s due back in a couple of days but it’s so interesting I’m thinking about checking it out again. As I read I sip on my coffee and take bites of the sugary pastries I ordered.

Even without meaning to I end up listening in on the conversation being held at the other table. It’s hard not to, I’m curious by nature, and my large ears grant me the privilege. I suppose it could be seen as rude, the eavesdropping, but I always find myself doing so even without realizing it.

“Haven’t seen much of you outside of the bar, recently, Keit. The little tykes taking up all your time?” one of the males, the largest of the group, laughs. He’s covered in scars, and is more than a little intimidating. He’s the only one facing my direction. The other two are opposite him, facing away from me.

“Gilder…” I hear the smallest of the group sigh in annoyance. She’s definitely female, I can tell by the voice.

“No, no, Labret. It’s okay, I love mind talking about them!” the last one responds, and I assume its Keit. Who else could it be?

“That’s what I was worried about” the female, Labret, sighs again. She doesn’t seem to be in the best of moods. “Now, we’ll never be able to shut him up. Thanks for that, Gilder.”

“Ah, sorry” the scarred male flushes, rubbing the back of his head repentantly. The three chatter away, mostly talking about the arrival of Keit’s new baby twins. They throw in some barbs and insults as well, mixing things up. Their squabbling is friendly, I can tell, but I don’t really understand it. Not that I’m trying to, I’m only half paying attention, really.

Their conversation changes, suddenly, piquing my curiosity once again.

“So, Gilder, did you take that job then? The one you told me about earlier?” Labret asks, her tone more serious than before.

“Nah,” Gilder’s reply is simple as he digs into his food.

“Ooh~ tell me, tell me!” I get the feeling that Keit doesn’t like being left out of the loop, if the way he’s practically buzzing in his booth is anything to go by.

“It’s stupid,” Gilder sighs, “I’m not some beast hunter. I’m an assassin, for goodness sakes!”

I get the feeling I should stop listening, but that’s pretty much impossible.

“Huh? What was the job?” Keit asks, totally nonplussed that his “friend” is claiming to be a professional killer. And here I am, trying to hide behind my book. What a day this is turning out to be…

“He was contracted to hunt down a dragon. Can you believe it? A dragon!” Labret, again. I can hear the laughter in her voice. Why is this entertaining for her?

“Would have paid well, too” Gilder butts in, “but again, not my job, not my problem. I’m not someone’s little trophy-hunter.”

“A… dragon?” Why is Keit more surprised about his friend being contracted to kill a mythological creature than he is about his friend being a killer?! Well, I mean, both are surprising… but still!

“I know!” Labret’s laughter is full-out, now. “They don’t even exist! How stupid is that?!”

The others join in on the laughter, and I can’t help but sneak a peek at them from behind my tome. Gilder’s looking right at me. Oh no! He sees me! He sends me a wink before turning back to his friends, dumbfounding me and pausing my internal freak-out momentarily.

“So, Labret. I hear there’s a new someone special in your life” Gilder chuckles playfully.

“Really?!” Keit gasps.

“Shut up, old man” Labret bites back, but my hearing is growing hazy and I fail to hear the rest of their conversation.

I hide behind my book, even though I’m not even reading it at this point. I take large, even breaths, trying to quell the panic I feel bubbling inside of me. I spend the rest of my afternoon like this, even long after the group of three had left the little café.

I doubt I’ll ever be able to come here again.

**

It is the best of days to visit the open-air market in the town center – it’s warm, but not too hot, and the sky is blue with a smattering of clouds. I choose to go in the morning, just as the market opens, that’s when it’s the least crowded and I get the added bonus of getting first-look at all the wares.

There are the usual stalls and the peddlers scattered about, pushing their merchandise. I tend to stay away from the louder, more boisterous dealers.

I’m marveling over a fruit-stand wondering how all the different colorful variations must taste when a voice strikes me from my reverie.

“Are you gonna help me with this or not?” The voice, although loud, has a strong tinge of youth to it. I find myself looking about for the source.

“No,” this voice is different, quieter, but no less young.

“Hrrng,” with the annoyed growl I finally locate the two. They’re young, much too young I think to be out here alone this early, but neither seem concerned or lost. “All you have to do is look for someone who’d make a good mark. Someone soft, and dimwitted, and gullible… Prey.”

“No. Donnic, that’s wrong” the other boy speaks while spinning a basketball between his small, furred hands.

Upon closer inspection, maybe the boys are older than I thought? They just seem to have smaller than average frames, but I can see now that they’re just on the cusp of being called ‘teenagers’. Still, they are young. I wonder where their parents are.

“Ugh, Tetsuya…” the one who I assume is Donnic scowls. I catch the similarities in their looks and I ponder if they’re possibly brothers or maybe related some other way – of course I don’t know anything about them, they could be completely unrelated for all I know.

But it seems my staring hasn’t gone unnoticed by the sharp, yellow eyes of Donnic. “Ah! Uh – sorry,” I stutter uselessly, flustered by being caught.

“No, no, it’s fine,” Donnic says, motioning for me to approach. I look around cautiously, the typical crowd has still yet to roll in but I still feel uneasy. Still, I approach while keeping a safe amount of distance.

“Donnic,” the other boy, Tetsuya I think, says – his voice is nearly deadpan but there’s the slightest bit of warning there, almost impossible to catch. Donnic just waves him off.

The more talkative of the two smirks at my wary approach, “Some interesting looks you got there.” I flinch at his words, but this doesn’t seem to affect him in the slightest. “I think I have something that might be of interest to you.” Donnic continues, pulling something from his oversized jacket.

It’s a gem of sorts, brilliant purple and holds a faint glow. But more importantly, I have no clue what it is. I’ve never seen anything like it before. “W-why do you think I’d be interested in this?” I ask, unknowing if I’ve ever given him reason to believe such a thing.

“I’ve seen you around before,” Donnic responds nonchalantly, “you always take your time at the jewelry and gem stalls. You’re easy enough to read.”

He’s seen me here before? But I’ve never seen him before – not that that means anything. “Look,” he huffs, and I can tell he’s getting a bit annoyed. I take a step back. “Do you want it or not?”

Yes, but at the same time, no. Although unique, I rather find the pieces for my collection myself. I shake my head, “Where did you get it?”

“Found it” he offers the simple answer but nothing more.

“Where?” I ask again, pressing the issue a bit more strongly although I feel uncomfortable doing so.

He throws me an intimidating smirk before responding, “Ho-oh! You seek to find one for yourself then?” Tetsuya’s sigh at Donnic’s behavior is only mildly distracting. “Alright then. There’s a cave along the rocky outcrops of the shore south of town. That’s where I found it,” Donnic explains, “The cave’s high up, and you need to climb to get up there – it’s also partially hidden from view by the surrounding stones, so it can be difficult to spot.”

I nod and Donnic tosses me another knowing smirk before turning his attention away, looking for someone else to sell the jewel to I presume.

In any case, he’s obviously dismissed me, so I head off on my own way.

“That was mean, Donnic. What if she wakes up?” I hear Tetsuya ask once I’m a good distance away, out of the usual hearing range.

“Then that’s his own fault.”

She? Who is she? The thought is quickly pushed from my thoughts. Perhaps I misheard.

**

It takes a few good days of hunting, but I finally find the cave that Donnic had talked about. Or at least, I assume it’s the cave. It’s in the general area of where he said it would be, if anything.

The climb is difficult, but not overly much, and I’ve only brought the gear I believed I would need. I don’t look down, and I pretend I’m not actually climbing, and that I’m actually very close to the ground. It makes me feel better. Given the terrain and the area, it’s not likely that the cave will have any large sudden drops requiring repelling gear, thankfully.

The cave is dark, however, and it’s times like these that I wish I could willing light up the crystals that adorn my body rather than just when someone else touches them. Then again, I very much dislike the vibrating sensation that accompanies it, so maybe not so much…

This is why flashlights are the handiest of tools.

I use the little light to check my path as I wander deeper in the cavern. It’s much much bigger than I thought it would be. But the deeper I go the more of the bright purple gems I find sticking out from between the rocks and rubble. None are as large as the one Donnic had, however, so I keep searching.

Deeper and deeper I roam into the cave, and soon enough the flashlight is barely needed – the majority of the cave is illuminated by the glowing purple jewels, their luminescence bouncing off the stony walls. They are larger, the deeper I go, and I’ve long since passed those that nearly doubled the size that Donnic’s jewel was.

They are utterly entrancing. I pick up various sized gems, as well as pebbles and rocks that have been chipped away from the stone-face, all to be inspected later.

Before I even realize it I find myself at a dead end, only… it’s not quite dead – or devoid of life is what I should really say.

A mass of dark fur is curled up in the corner, the form vaguely illuminated by the surrounding gems. There is a subtle movement to the mostly still creature, rhythmical and unhurried. The rise and fall of steady breathing that accompanies deep sleep.

I hesitate momentarily before taking a step back – but I misstep and end up tripping and falling to the ground in my clumsiness. The clattering of me and my gear hitting the stony ground echoes throughout the cave.

I nervously glance back at the figure which has stilled unnaturally so. The form shifts and I find myself staring into two bright purple slitted eyes, reminiscent of the gems that are scattered about the cavern.

I am frozen in feat, unable to do anything. The form moves again, and even at a distance I can tell that whatever it is, it is larger than I am.

Dark, leathery wings unfurl and stretch, making the form seem larger, and a dreadful roar is let loose, loud and strong enough to cause the walls to shake and the pebbles at my feet to vibrate.

This is enough to get me moving. I drop my pack and run, screaming, but I’m too slow. The impact is heavy on my back and I am flung forward from the force of being tackled. When I open my eyes I again find myself looking right at those bright slitted eyes.

I’m already panicking, and I feel the fear creeping over my body and sapping what little strength I have from my body like a poison. My breathing becomes erratic and I’m sure I’m sobbing something fierce – my vision blurs and goes dark.

And then everything is gone.

When I come too, what I assume is hours later, I find myself once again face-to-face with the terrifying creature. I open my mouth to scream, but barely manage to get a peep out before the creature’s roaring at me.

Only it’s not just roaring, it’s saying something… or yelling?

“Quiet you ignorant buffoon!” this is more than enough to force me to shut my mouth with a click. I’m still trembling, and I can feel the snot and tears drying on my face and matting my fur. How embarrassing. “Snot nosed brat, sneaking into my home, stealing…” the words devolve into indiscernible grumbles after that, but I dare not ask for clarification.

Instead I lay there on the cold stone ground, my eyes roving over the creature before me. The voice is deep and rasping, but still that of a female’s. She’s larger than I am with dark fur, horns, and wings. The same jewels that decorate the cave also adorn her body, which catches me by surprise. It’s nothing compared to the extent of mine, but it’s something.

My mind conjures up a haphazard thought of this creature possibly being a dragon, but it’s quickly dismissed when I spy her tail. It’s scaled, and devoid of fur, yet still holds the distinctive shape of a Sima’s and the telltale jewel – although cracked and broken.

“U-uh… umm” I stutter, unsure of how to act or what to say. Her gaze lands on me and her expression is set in that distinctly of a scowl.

“What?! Spit it out!” she barks, and I oblige immediately, completely shocked into submission.

“W-who are you?”

She frowns and it looks as though she mulls over the question briefly as if she truly isn’t sure on how to answer. “I am the mighty Vinsomer!” she finally bellows, “Dragon of this stormy coast!”

Her voice is loud and echoes throughout the cavern, causing me to flinch. She notices the movement and frowns. Her gaze is intense and I cannot hold eye-contact for long, I am forced to look away. Vinsomer sighs before barking out, albeit a bit quieter this time, “Leave.”

I perk up slightly at the word, looking back at her, but she is no longer looking at me, but instead at the dark recesses of the cave. “Uh, yes,” it’s all I can think to say before scurrying along, limbs still trembling in fear. “Th-thank you,” for what, I do not know, but I feel it is something I should say.

But perhaps not, if the bark I get in return is anything to go by.

“Now!” She roars, and it’s frightening enough to spur me into action. I race out of the cave, tripping a few times but always managing to catch myself before completely wiping out. Most of the way home is a blur, the tail-edges of my panic attack still hazing my mind and making my body sluggish as if I am wading through tar.

I am home for hours before I realize I left my pack with all m gear in it in the cave.

I dare not go back. It’s not worth it. I am but a frightened child in the wake of what has transpired, and it will take time before I am well enough to even step outside of my home once more.

I spend the days combing over my gear, making a list of what I am missing, of what was in the lost pack. My wallet, with my ID, happens to be one of the more unfortunate losses, but I am most upset over the loss of my spelunking journal. Most of what was written in there I will never be able to recover or replace, and the thought brings a sad pang to my heart.

**

Days go by before I deem myself grounded enough to return to the outside world. I plan to only sit outside on my porch for a while, maybe fifteen minutes or so, just to get used to being outside again. I don’t wish to see anyone, or for them to see me, and I do not wish to go anywhere. I need to take things slow.

I step outside, but there’s something there I did not expect to see.

My pack. And a note.

I pick both up, unfolding the attached parchment, and begin to read.

“You forgot this.
Idiot.

-V.”

For some strange reason this brings a smile to my face rather than fear racing through my heart.

[tiiedye.]

(( Tʜᴇ Usᴇʀ ))

Hey, it's tiiedye. here! I am the proud owner of a few Simas, and I am hoping to add this one to my family. I recently returned from a hiatus and I had no plans to jump into another "impress me" contest anytime soon-- well, until this guy came along. I fell in love immediately, and I knew I had to try hard to nab him. I am hoping to win this awesome Sima, but if not, I know he'll be going to a great home! Should I not win this Sima, the winner may use any art in my form as long as they get permission from the artist.

(( A Sʜᴏʀᴛ Sᴛᴏʀʏ ))


Solitaire made her way down the sidewalk, toting her newest little brother on her hip. He cooed occasionally, showing great interest in the world around him. The snake-eyed female smiled down at him, booping his nose with a giggle. The baby sneezed. She was going to meet Pellucid at a small cafe. It wasn't a busy cafe, so she thought the timid male would be okay with it.
As she turned the corner, the cafe came into view, and sure enough. There sat Pellucid in one of the outside chairs.
"Heey Pelluu~!" she called out to him, so she wouldn't startle him when she approached. The baby on her hip babbled out, almost as though calling out to him as well. Solitaire giggled at her little brother once again. "Silly boy.." she murmured as she neared.
Pellucid flinched slightly, but quickly relaxed- as much as he could. He offered a smile up to the young female, motioning for her to join him at the table.
"Hi, Pellu. Sorry I'm late. I had to take care of lunch." she told him, playing with the grey and white baby, "But I thought you might like to meet one of my newest little brothers; Magpie."
Almost on cue, the baby grinned wide and reached out to Pellucid, attempting to grab something. Be it his nose or one of those strange horns on his face. He babbled out something, sticking his tongue out when he finally did.
Pellucid flinched, fear coming to his eyes.
"No, Maggie. No, no. Mr. Pellu doesn't like that.." Solitaire scolded quietly, prying the baby's fingers off of Pellu. The baby frowned, but didn't cry.
"Th-thanks, S-Soli.." he murmured, eye darting away from the baby and back again, "H-he's kinda c-cute.."
"I thought you might want to meet him- look." she smiled, setting the toddler down and holding him steady, turning his back to Pellucid, "He has crystals growing on him, too."

By -Willow


(( Aʀᴛ ))

By me ~ xx

By AdreanThePomeranian ~ x

By Keyoto-TheFox ~ x

By PumpkinCupcake ~ x

(( Cʀᴇᴅɪᴛs ))

All Simas in this form are either owned by me or were used with their owner's permission. Thank you to everyone who helped me with my form! And thank you to SilverHeartAlchemist and Glispa for making such a wonderful Sima!